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Show 94 EEPORT OF TEE 00MbfIBSIONER OF INDIAN A F F ~ B . &ation, scarcely inferior to that of their white neighbors. Any gen. eralizacions regarding these people most, therefore, be eonsidered as applicable to any particular tribe with such modifications as its peculiar place in the scale of civiliation warrants. It is certainly true, how-ever, that as a mass the Indians are far below the whites of this eoun-try in their general intelligence and mode of living. They enjog' very few of the comforts, and almost none of the luxnries, which are the pride and boast of their more fortunate neighbors. When we speak of the education of the Indians, we mean that com-prehensive system of training and instruction which will convert them into American citizens, put within their reach the blessings which the rest of us enjoy, and enable them to compete successfully with the white man on his own ground and with his own methods. Education is to be the medium through which the rising generation of Indians are to be brought into fraternal and harmonious relationship with their white fellow-citimns, and with them enjoy the sweets of refined homes, the delight of social interconrse, the emoluments of commerce and trade, the advantages of travel, together with the pleasures that come from iterature, science, and philosophy, and the solace and stimnlus afforded by a true religion. That such a great revolution for these people is possible is bewming more and more evident to those who have watched with an intelligent interest the work which, notwithstanding all its hindrances and dis-couragements, has been accomplished for them during the last few years. It is no longer doubtful that, under a wise system of educahon, carefully administered, the condition of this whole people qrtu be radi-cally improved in a single generation. Under the peculiar relations which the Indians flustain to the Gov-ernment of the United States, tlfe responsibility for their education rests primarily and almost wholly upon the nation. This grgve respon-sibility, which has now been practically assumed by the C-overnment, must be borne by it alone. It can not safely or honorably either sbrk it or delegate it to any other party. The task is not by any means an hemulean one. The entire Indian school population is less than that of Rhode Island. The Government of the United States, now one of the richest on the face of the earth, with clo overflowing Treasury, has at its wmmand unlimited means, and can undertake and complete this work without feeling it to be in any degree a burden. Although very imperfect in its details, and needing to be modified and improved i~ many particnlars, the present s~s tcmof schools is capable, under wise direction, of acwmplishing all that can be desired. In order that the Government shall be able to secure thebest resnlta in the edneatiou of the Indians, certain things are desirable, indeed, I might say necessary, viz: First. Ample provision should be made at an early day for the ac-commodation of the entire mass of Indian school children and youth. |
